I can’t believe we pulled it off – our first runDisney event – the Disney Princess Half Marathon. This race was like no other, full of Disney magic, characters; even the medal was special. You knew, from the moment you registered, you were going to be part of something awesome.
The two days in Orlando were AH-Mazing! However, I didn’t have the full experience that I wanted. Next year (yes, I will be running next year) will be different.
Since it’s getting close to registration time for next year, I wanted to share some tips and lessons I learned the hard way.
The Princess Half Marathon is not just a race; it’s a weekend event.
We drove to Orlando from Texas in two days, arriving Saturday afternoon before the Sunday race. By the time we got to the Health and Fitness Expo at ESPN Wild World of Sports, we only had about an hour to take it all in – and there was a ton to take in!! I picked up my packet, made a couple of purchases then it was time for the expo to close. There was so much to see and do, and I missed it.
Train and Qualify for an Early Start Time
The race started at 5:00 am for the corral A (holding area) – we were in H. Not everyone starts at the same time – for safety, the runners start in waves. Well, our wave didn’t start until 6:40 Am! By that time the sun was coming up, and so was the temp. One of the girls I met said it was the hottest Princess Half to date!! And I felt it. By mile 8 I was totally wiped out. Which brings me to my next lesson…
Hydrate Throughout the Race
I had the bright idea not to drink water early in the race, you know, so I wouldn’t have to wait in the long potty lines. Haha, not the best strategy! By the time I started drinking, it was too late. I tried drinking, pouring water over my head, anything to get hydrated. But it was too late – I had hit the wall HARD!! From mile 8 to mile 13 were miserable. And the potty lines weren’t that bad 🙂
Take Lots of Pictures
After hitting the wall at mile 8, all I could think about is finishing, and I quit taking pictures. A decision I am regretting now. I don’t have nearly enough of the whole weekend. And, being in the back of the pack means you are running with a lot of people!! So the lines to take pics with Disney characters along the race course were SUPER long! I didn’t want to fall behind, so I passed up the picture opportunities. Stop, take pictures.
Test Your Princess Gear Before the Big Day
Yeah, it’s all exciting dressing up like a princess to run through Disney, but you better make sure what you are wearing will be comfy for 13 miles. My daughter bought oh-so-cute Beauty and The Beast leggings and wore them for the first time in the race. Well, about halfway through the inseams were rubbing raw spots on the inside of her legs. Those spots were very painful the next day!!
Good News is…We FINISHED. It wasn’t pretty or spectacular, but we finished. I am so proud of myself for not giving up and pushing through. Even though I wish I would have done things differently – I wouldn’t trade the experience! It was still awesome, and it was still magical. I am HOOKED. Can’t wait to do it again next year!
Do you have any tips for running the Princess Half Marathon? I would love to read them so I can prepare for next year. 🙂
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